Systems and Methods Enabling Marketing and Distribution of Media Content by Content Creators and Content Providers

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods enabling marketing and distribution of motion pictures and other media content by content creators and other content providers are described herein. A platform is provided by which a plurality of content providers can market and distribute media content to users. Information about activity of the users on the platform is obtained in relation to the item of media content or in relation to media content related to the item of media content. A request is received for an activity report comprising information related to a user demographic or a media content characteristic. Responsive to the activity report request, the activity report is provided to the content provider.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods formarketing and distributing media content, including motion pictures,television programming, online games, music, and other media content.

BACKGROUND

Content creators (e.g., filmmakers, television producers, recordingartists, online game developers, etc.) are significantly limited intheir ability to develop and execute content-related strategies such asprocessing, marketing, promotion, management, packaging, merchandising,fulfillment, delivery, distribution, licensing, and enforcement of theirown content and content-related data. Effective mastering of suchefforts is typically beyond the capabilities of content creators becausesuch efforts typically require marketing and distribution resources thatare unavailable to the content creators. Because of this limitation,content creators often seek to enter into content-related agreements inwhich the content creators relinquish control with respect to some orall rights in the content (e.g., a licensing agreement with a filmdistributor granting various territory or media rights).

One drawback with traditional content-related agreements (e.g., in theentertainment industry) is that they are rarely available to contentcreators (e.g., independent filmmakers, television producers, or gamedevelopers). In other words, often only the most well-known contentcreators are able to secure a content-related agreement (e.g., adistribution agreement, assignment, or license) with a third partycontent provider (e.g., a distributor, subdistributor, sales agent,buyer, aggregator, publisher, network, broadcaster, syndicator,assignee, or licensee). Moreover, even when a content creator is able tosecure a content-related agreement, the terms are often very one-sidedfavoring the content provider. Thus, these content-related agreementsare often unfairly restrictive to the content creator, limitingadditional marketing or distribution of content for a set amount of time(e.g., until costs advanced or expended pursuant to the agreement arefully recouped).

Additionally, often such agreements (i) do not contain any provisionsthat impose a duty on the content provider to actively market or promotethe content creator's content, and/or (ii) the content creator does nothave sufficient leverage over the content provider to enforce aprovision requiring active marketing and/or promotion of the content. Asa result, these agreements can be highly disadvantageous to a contentcreator for many reasons. For example, over the term of such anagreement, the value of the content is often diminished while thecontent creator awaits the expiration of the agreement. Moreover, anyfailure of the content provider to actively market or promote thecontent can postpone or preclude any potential revenue that may bederived from the content. This can prolong the time it takes for thecontent creator to recoup the costs associated with creating thecontent, and in some instances, preclude such recoupment altogether.This can create a cash flow burden on the content creator. Additionally,the terms of such agreements rarely require the content distributor,subdistributor, assignee, or licensee to keep the content creatorinformed of the success or progress of any content-related strategies.

Thus, what is needed in the art are systems and methods for empoweringcontent creators to market and distribute their own content withoutentering into onerous one-sided agreements with content providers, suchas distributors, subdistributors, assignees, or licensees.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methodsenabling marketing and distribution of motion pictures, televisionprogramming, online games, music, and other media content by contentcreators (e.g., initial copyright owners; “authors,” as defined underU.S. copyright law; and those acquiring ownership of media content, suchas assignees). Among other things, the systems and methods enablecontent creators to efficiently market and distribute their content to atarget audience based upon reports. These reports can contain historicalinformation regarding purchases (e.g., of similar media content producedby other content creators) by one or more demographic groups.Specifically, information in reports can enable a content creator todevise and execute a content marketing and distribution strategy at lowcost, and without the need to relinquish control of the content. Thecontent creator may periodically receive updated reports, and revise oneor more marketing or distribution strategies (e.g., based upon theupdated reports, the initial reports, or a combination of initial andupdated reports). Because the content creator retains his full rights inand to the media content, he may market and distribute the content forany desired length of time and to any desired number of geographicterritories. Additionally, the content creator may update his marketingand distribution strategies as frequently as appropriate.

Thus, the systems and methods described herein can be used to facilitatecreation, execution, and revision of marketing and distributionstrategies for media content by the content creator. Marketing anddistribution strategies can be for any type of media content, includingmedia content in digital form that is distributable over a network. Inone specific example, the media content is a motion picture or otheraudiovisual work.

Under one aspect, systems and methods enabling marketing anddistribution of motion pictures and other media content by contentcreators may include providing a platform by which a plurality ofcontent providers can market and distribute media content to users.Information about activity of the users on the platform may be obtainedin relation to the item of media content or in relation to media contentrelated to the item of media content. A request may be received for anactivity report comprising information related to a user demographic ora media content characteristic. Responsive to the activity reportrequest, the activity report may be provided to the content provider.

As another example, a method of distributing an item of media contentassociated with a content provider may include providing a platform bywhich a plurality of content providers can market and distribute mediacontent to users and obtaining, using the platform, information aboutactivity of the users on the platform in relation to the item of mediacontent or in relation to media content related to the item of mediacontent. Systems and methods may further include receiving at theplatform a request, by a content provider in the plurality of contentproviders, for an activity report comprising information related to alicense characteristic for media content and responsive to the activityreport request, providing, using the platform, the activity report tothe content provider.

As a further example, a method of distributing an item of media contentassociated with a content provider, using a platform by which a firstplurality of users can market and distribute media content to a secondplurality of users, wherein the platform comprises one or moreprogrammed computers that, individually or collectively, may be suitablyprogrammed to (A) obtain information about activity of the secondplurality of users over the Internet or a computer network, (B) receive,at the platform, a first request for an activity report about useractivity with respect to media content having a particularcharacteristic, wherein the first request is received over the Internetor the computer network from the content creator and wherein the mediacontent includes media that was not created by the content creator, and(C) provide, responsive to the first request, the activity report to thecontent creator over the Internet or the computer network.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,aspects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from thedescription, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a flow chart of an exemplary method of facilitating themarketing and distribution of a particular item of media content by thecreator of that media content.

FIG. 1B is a flow chart of steps in an exemplary method of marketing anddistributing a particular item of media content by a content creator.

FIG. 1C schematically illustrates an exemplary system for facilitating acontent creator's marketing and distribution of a particular item ofmedia content.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary display of certain components within a contentmanagement system.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary display of additional components within acontent management system.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary interface for use by a content creator.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary interface for a catalog control.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary interface for adding or editing content usinga control within the catalog manager.

FIG. 7 shows another example of an interface for adding or editingcontent using a control within the catalog manager.

FIG. 8 shows another example of an interface for adding or editingcontent using a control within the catalog manager.

FIG. 9 shows another example of an interface for adding or editingcontent using a control within the catalog manager.

FIG. 10 shows another example of an interface for adding or editingcontent using a control within the catalog manager.

FIG. 11 shows another example of an interface for adding or editingcontent using a control within the catalog manager.

FIG. 12 shows another example of an interface for adding or editingcontent using a control within the catalog manager.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary interface for creating offers using a controlwithin the catalog manager.

FIG. 14 shows an example of an interface for use when interacting withone or more licensing packages.

FIG. 15 shows an example of an interface for creating an offer.

FIG. 16 shows an example of an interface for use when interacting withone or more licensing packages.

FIG. 17 shows another example of an interface for creating an offer.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary up-sell interface for creating an up-selloption using a control within the catalog manager.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary interface for use when interacting with oneor more up-sell licensing packages.

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary cross-sell interface for creating across-sell option using a control within the catalog manager.

FIG. 21 shows an example of an interface for use when interacting withone or more cross-sell licensing packages.

FIG. 22 shows an example of an indirect interface for creating aninsider offer using a control within the catalog manager.

FIG. 23 shows an example of an interface for use when interacting withone or more pitch licensing packages.

FIG. 24 shows an example of an interface for use by an industry insider.

FIG. 25 shows an example of an interface for setting and editing useraccount settings.

FIG. 26 shows an example of an interface for viewing account activity.

FIG. 27 also shows an example of an interface for viewing accountactivity.

FIG. 28 also shows an example of an interface for viewing accountactivity.

FIG. 29 also shows an example of an interface for viewing accountactivity.

FIG. 30 shows an example of an interface for use by a user wheninteracting with the system.

FIG. 31 shows an example of an interface for browsing content.

FIG. 32 shows an example of an interface including a depiction ofcontent from the perspective associated with an example control.

FIG. 33 shows an example of an interface including a depiction ofcontent from the perspective associated with another example control.

FIG. 34 shows an example of an interface including a depiction ofcontent from the perspective associated with another example control.

FIG. 35 shows an example of an expanded interface for use by a user wheninteracting with the system.

FIG. 35A shows an exemplary interface including a licensing packageupgrade option.

FIG. 36 shows an exemplary interface including an additional “reviews”control.

FIG. 37 shows an example of an interface displaying review data in anexpanded viewing area.

FIG. 38 shows an example of an interface that includes an additional“tags” control.

FIG. 39 shows an example of an interface displaying tag data in anexpanded viewing area.

FIG. 40 shows an example of an interface including an exemplary activityreport.

FIG. 41 shows an example of an interface including another exemplaryactivity report.

FIG. 42 shows an example of an interface including another exemplaryactivity report.

FIG. 43 shows an example of an interface including another exemplaryactivity report.

FIG. 44 shows an example of an interface including another exemplaryactivity report.

FIG. 45 shows an example of an interface including another exemplaryactivity report.

FIG. 46 shows an example of an interface including a pie chart graphicinterpretation of content.

FIG. 47 shows an example of an interface including a pie chart graphicinterpretation of content.

FIG. 48 shows an example of an interface including a bar chart graphicinterpretation of content.

FIG. 49 shows an example of an interface including a bar chart graphicinterpretation of content.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a fundamental shift in theway business can be done with respect to media marketing anddistribution. Specifically, the systems and methods provided hereinenable a content creator (e.g., a filmmaker, musician, or artist) toleverage information compiled about similar media content (e.g., mediacontent created by other content creators) in order to develop andexecute “do it yourself” or “do it with others” strategies for marketingand distributing their own content. This information can be compiled,for example, by a platform that both the particular content creator, andother content creators, can use to market and distribute their contentto users. As the users use such a platform, the platform can collectinformation about the users (e.g., their demographics) and user activity(e.g., with respect to each item of content marketed or distributed onthe platform). Such information can be compiled into reports for use bycontent creators in developing and executing one or more strategies formarketing and distributing their own content.

For example, if upon reviewing a report, a content creator determinesthat first-person horror films are particularly popular with 18-24year-old males, then the content creator can develop a strategy formarketing primarily to that demographic. In some implementations, theplatform can periodically provide updated reports to the contentcreator, who can adapt the marketing strategy to more efficiently marketthe content (e.g., based upon new information in the reports and uponthe success of the initial marketing strategy). In contrast, as notedabove, content creators have traditionally been limited in the amountand types of user purchase information they can feasibly obtain aboutsimilar types of media content. As such, they have previously beenlimited to using conventional methods of marketing and distributingcontent, which typically require the content creator to relinquishrights in the content to a third party. Relinquishing rights to contentlimits the content creator's ability to control the marketing anddistribution of that content in the future.

FIG. 1A is a flow chart of an exemplary method 10 of facilitating themarketing and distribution of a particular item of media content by thecreator of that media content. The item of media content can be anyoriginal work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression,now known or later developed, from which the item of media content canbe perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly orwith the aid of a machine or a device. That is, the item of mediacontent is the subject matter of a copyright, and the content creator isa human who is the initial (original) owner of that copyright by virtueof having created the work. It should be understood that some originalworks of authorship may have been jointly created, in which case eachjoint creator is an initial (original) owner of the copyright of thework, and is considered to be a content creator. In other circumstances,an original work may have been “made for hire,” e.g., made under thedirection of another human or of an employer; the human or employer whodirected the work is considered to be the author of the work for thepurposes of copyright law, and is considered to be the initial(original) owner of the copyright for the purposes of this application.In either circumstance, if a content creator has the right to market anddistribute the item of media content, he may do so using the systems andmethods described herein.

In some circumstances, the content creator may develop and execute amarketing and distribution strategy collaboratively with one or moreother persons or entities; in such a circumstance, each member of thecollaborative team may be considered to be an agent of the contentcreator, and can equally use the systems and methods described herein.Examples of such collaborators may, for example, include actors in amotion picture, or audience members.

In many of the embodiments described herein, the item of media contentis a digital work of authorship, embodied in a computer-readable medium,that can be distributed to a user's computer over a network, and thatcan be experienced by the user via one or more output devices connectedto the user's computer. For example, the digital work of authorship canbe a motion picture or other audiovisual work stored on a remote server,that can be distributed to the user's computer via a network, and thatcan be displayed on a display device connected to the user's computerand/or audibly projected with audio speakers connected to the user'scomputer. Or, for example, the digital work of authorship can be a soundrecording that similarly can be distributed to the user's computer via anetwork, and that can be audibly projected with audio speakers connectedto the user's computer. Other types of digital works of authorship thatcan be distributed include literary works (e.g., “digital books”) andpictorial or graphic works (e.g., digital images). However, it should beunderstood that the systems and methods described herein can be used tofacilitate marketing and distribution of any original work ofauthorship, including those fixed in a tangible medium of expressionother than a computer-readable memory. As used herein, an item of mediacontent is fixed in any tangible medium of expression when a copy of themedia content is made that is sufficiently permanent or stable to permitthe media content to be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicatedfor a period of more than transitory duration.

Referring to FIG. 1A, method 10 includes providing a platform by whichcontent creators can market and distribute media content to users (11).A platform can include any suitable system or method by which mediacontent can be marketed and distributed. Additionally, platforminformation can include any information corresponding to use of themedia content (e.g., activity and demographics of users using a platformcorresponding to particular media content). In many of the embodimentsdescribed herein, a platform includes a computer architecture having aserver and a client that communicate over a network, for example asdescribed further below with respect to FIG. 1C. However, it should beunderstood that any suitable platform can be used, including those basedupon technologies other than computer architecture.

Method 10 also includes obtaining information about user activity on theplatform (12). Such information can include, for example, userdemographics (e.g., ages, geographical locations, ethnicities, genders).Such information can also include, for example, the characteristics ofthe media content with which each of the users interact, such as thetype of media content (e.g., video, audio, graphic, or literary work),the quality of the media content (e.g., high definition, lowdefinition), the rating of the media content (e.g., “PG” or “R”), thegenre of the media content (e.g., horror, drama), the way in which theuser interacted with the media content (e.g., clicked on anadvertisement for the media content, purchased a license to the mediacontent, or purchased the media content outright), and/or the price, ifany, that the user paid for the particular interaction with the mediacontent.

In embodiments in which the platform includes a server-client computerarchitecture, the server may include modules for marketing anddistributing media content to users, collecting information about theusers and the media content with which they interact, and storing thecollected information in a computer-readable medium, such as a database.As used herein, the term “server” is used merely to distinguish devicesthat provide content from those devices that receive content (e.g.,clients). In fact, in many instances, there may be little or nodifference between the architecture of the serving devices and theclient devices, with the exception that, typically, the server devicesprovide content and the client devices receive content. Moreover, itwill be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the server may runserving software (e.g., Apache), whereas the client devices typically donot. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the networking methodsdisclosed herein are not limited to client-server implementations. Theexamples of such architectures is merely given to provide an example ofa way to implement the inventive methods. One of skill in the art, basedon the present disclosure, will appreciated that other embodiments thatdo not make use of a client-server architecture are possible and allsuch implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Method 10 further includes receiving a request from a content creatorfor an activity report on media content having a particularcharacteristic (13). For example, the content creator may have created aparticular item of media content, such as a motion picture, that thecontent creator categorizes within a particular genre. Additionally, thecontent creator may want to market to a demographic most likely to pay aparticular (e.g., the highest) fee to receive distribution of the mediacontent. Moreover, the content creator may want to learn more about useractivity corresponding to other media content, created by other mediacreators, within the particular genre in which he believes his contentcan be best categorized. Thus, the content creator can submit a requestfor an activity report to the platform, and about media content havingthe particular characteristic of interest (genre being only one exampleof such a characteristic). In embodiments in which the platform includesa server-client computer architecture, the client may include a modulefor constructing such a request and transmitting the request to theserver over a network.

Method 10 further includes, responsive to the content creator's request,providing an activity report to the content creator (14). For example,the activity report can be dynamically constructed based upon aparticular request of the content creator. Alternatively, the activityreport can be prepared ahead of time, (e.g., on a predetermined basis),stored, and subsequently retrieved from persistent storage and providedto the content creator responsive to a request. In embodiments in whichthe platform includes a server-client architecture, the server mayinclude a module for receiving such a request, for obtaining theactivity report responsive to the request, and for providing theactivity report to the client over the network.

Method 10 further includes receiving a request from the content creatorto market his particular item of media content (e.g., to users of aparticular demographic (15) or known interest). For example, uponreviewing the activity report, the content creator may conclude that anitem of media content could be most effectively marketed to males aged18-22. As such, the content creator can construct a request to marketthe item of media content to users of that particular demographic (e.g.,using the platform). Or, for example, upon viewing the activity report,the content creator may conclude that because of varying userpreferences, two packages of the item of media content should be madeavailable to users (e.g., both a limited-time license and a purchaseoption). Thus, in this example, a content creator could conclude thatboth a first price for the license and a second, higher price for apurchase option could be made available to users. Note that the contentcreator can request the platform to market any number or type ofpackages of media content to any number or type of user demographic, andat any price. Examples of client-based interfaces by which the contentcreator can construct suitable marketing requests are provided furtherbelow.

Method 10 further includes, responsive to the request, marketing aparticular item of media content to users of a particular demographicusing the platform (16). For example, as described above, the platformis configured so as to monitor user demographics as they interact withmedia content on the system. Based on such monitoring, the platform can,for example, display an advertisement for the item of media content to auser that the platform has identified as being within the particulardemographic.

Method 10 further includes distributing the particular item of mediacontent to users using the platform (17). For example, the users canpurchase an item or a license to an item, and can download the item overthe network (e.g., onto a computer for viewing and/or listening).Additionally, even if not marketed to them, users outside a particulartargeted demographic can purchase any item. Thus, in some instances,users outside the particular targeted demographic can be interested inthe item, while users within the particular targeted demographic are notinterested in the item. For example, the tastes of users within aparticular targeted demographic can change; or, for example, the contentcreator may have erroneously categorized the item of media content to bepart of a particular genre when in fact it is more appropriatelycategorized as part of another genre. Thus, user tastes are highlyvariable and not always possible to predict, even given accuratehistorical information about user activity with respect to particulartypes of content.

Method 10 also includes providing an updated activity report to thecontent creator (18). The report includes information about useractivity corresponding to media content having a particularcharacteristic, which may be the same or different than thecharacteristic about which the report was provided in step 14, that hasoccurred between steps 14 and 18 (e.g., includes more recent informationthan that in the report of step 14). Such a report can be provided on aone-time basis, responsive to a second request from the content creator(not shown). Alternatively, such a report can be automatically providedto the content creator on a periodic basis, for example responsive to arequest by the content creator in step 13 to automatically andperiodically provide updated activity reports with a predeterminedfrequency and for a predetermined amount of time. In embodiments inwhich the platform includes a server-client architecture, the server mayinclude instructions, embodied in a computer-readable medium, toperiodically generate such a report(s).

Method 10 further includes receiving a request from the content creatorto market the particular item of media content to users of a particulardemographic that may be different from the earlier demographic (e.g.,may be different from those defined in step 15) (19). For example, afterviewing the updated activity report and considering the user activitygenerated by his own initial marketing/distribution strategy (e.g., thenumber and/or type of distribution instances during step 17), thecontent creator may conclude that modifying his initial strategy mayresult in improved distribution of his content.

Method 10 includes, responsive to the request of step 19, marketing theparticular item of media content to users of that particular demographicvia the platform (16) and distributing the particular item of mediacontent to users via the platform (17) (e.g., as described above).Method 10 can further include providing one or more additional updatedactivity reports to the content creator (18), for example on a periodicbasis, as discussed above. Method 10 can further include receiving oneor more additional requests (e.g., from a content creator) to market aparticular item of media content to users of a particular demographic(e.g., other than a demographic to which the content was previouslymarketed). Note, however, that the systems and methods described hereindo not require that the content creator receive an updated report beforerevising his marketing/distribution strategy (e.g., before submitting arequest to the platform to market the item of media content to users ofanother particular demographic). Because the content creator retainsfull rights in the media content, he can revise, update, or modify hismarketing and distribution strategies as frequently as desired, and foras long a time period as desired. In comparison, signing an agreementwith a content distributor, for example, often requires a contentcreator to effectively relinquish some or all of the rights in an itemof media content, in addition to control over marketing and distributionof the media content.

It will be appreciated that loop 16-19 may be repeated any number oftimes necessary to achieve the distribution goals of the contentcreator. Moreover, it will be appreciated that several concurrentinstances of loop 16-19 can occur at any given time. For example, oneiteration of loop 16-19 may be directed to a first demographic, wherethis first demographics is then altered or defined (e.g., firstdemographic prime), at step 19 of the loop. Additionally, anotherconcurrent iteration of loop 16-19 may be directed to a seconddemographic, where this second demographics is then altered or definedat step 19 of the loop (e.g., first demographic prime). In other words,at step 15 of the method depicted in FIG. 1A, a content creator canchoose two or more different demographics (e.g., two differentcampaigns), where the two or more demographics have some or no overlapwith each other and where the user can simultaneously refine, add ordrop selected demographics using separate marketing campaigns.

FIG. 1B is a flow chart of steps in an exemplary method 20 for marketingand distributing an item of media content using a platform. Note thatwhile method 10 of FIG. 1A can be considered to represent a platformperspective corresponding to interactions between the platform and thecontent creator, method 20 of FIG. 1B can be considered to represent acontent creator perspective corresponding to interactions between thecontent creator and the platform.

Method 20 includes interfacing with a platform by which content creatorscan market and distribute media content to users (21). The platformobtains information about user activity on the platform, (e.g., userdemographics, characteristics of the media content with which the usersinteract, and the purchase price, if any, the users pay for instances ofdistribution of the content). In implementations utilizing aserver-client computer architecture, the content provider may interfacewith the server computer via a client computer.

Method 20 further includes requesting from the platform, an activityreport about media content having a particular characteristic (22). Forexample, as noted above, a content creator can consider a particularitem of media content to belong to (e.g., to be categorizes within), aparticular genre. Thus, the content creator may desire to learn moreabout historical user activity with respect to other items of mediacontent belonging to that particular genre. As such, the content creatorcan use any appropriate interface to construct and submit the request tothe platform. In one illustrative example, the content creator can use agraphic user interface on a client computer to construct a request,which the client can then submit to the platform using a network.

Method 20 further includes receiving and displaying the activity reportfrom the platform, (23). For example, if the content creator is using aclient computer, the client computer may receive the activity reportusing a network, store the activity report in a computer-readable mediumin the computer (e.g., a hard drive or a cache memory), and display theactivity report to the content creator via an appropriate interfacedevice, such as a display screen connected to the client computer.

Method 20 further includes submitting a request to the platform (e.g.,based upon an activity report), to market a particular item of mediacontent (e.g., to users of a particular demographic (24) or interest).As noted above, a content creator may, based upon the activity report,conclude that marketing the media content to users of a particulardemographic would be a successful marketing strategy. The request may bedirected to any desired number or type of packaging of the mediacontent, to any desired number or type of user demographics, and at anydesired price(s).

Method 20 further includes distributing the particular item of mediacontent to users via the platform (25). For example, as described ingreater detail below, users can interface with the platform so as toview information about different available items of media content(including that of the content creator), to view advertisements that theplatform may display to them, and to pay money in exchange for adistribution of the media content (e.g., a license to experience themedia content for a limited amount of time or a limited number ofviewings/listenings, or a “purchase” of the media content enabling themto experience the content for an unlimited amount of time). Such a userinteraction may, for example, be based upon a server-client computerarchitecture in which the user interfaces with the platform (e.g., theserver) using a client computer over a network.

Method 20 further includes receiving and displaying an updated activityreport from the platform (26). As discussed above, the platform canprovide such an updated activity report on an as-requested basis, orautomatically, on a predetermined periodic basis (e.g., without humanintervention).

Based on the updated activity report, the content creator can submit arequest to the platform to market a particular item of media content tousers of a particular demographic that may be different from the earlierdemographic (e.g., different from the demographic defined in step 24(27)). For example, based on the activity report received and displayedin step 23 and/or personal experience with marketing/distributing theitem of media content, the content creator may conclude that a modifiedversion of the initial marketing/distribution strategy may be moresuccessful. Based upon this request, the platform can market the item ofmedia content to that demographic, as discussed above. Then, using theplatform, the content creator can distribute the particular item ofmedia content to users (25). As noted above, the content creator canreceive one or more additional updated activity reports, and can revisemarketing/distribution strategies as frequently as desired, for anydesired duration of time, based on such reports and/or based on personalexperiences in marketing and distributing the item of media content.Because full rights in the item of media content are retained by thecontent creator, marketing and distribution strategies are limited onlyby personal resources, risk aversion, and imagination.

Now that an overview of the novel systems and methods for facilitatingthe marketing and distribution of media content (e.g., motion pictures),by content creators have been disclosed, a more detailed description ofone exemplary system in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent disclosure is described in conjunction with FIG. 1C. As such,FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary server-client computer architecture 100in accordance with the present disclosure. It should be noted, however,that the systems and methods described herein are not limited tocomputer-based implementations, such as that of FIG. 1C.

The architecture illustrated in FIG. 1C includes a server 101 and aclient device 111 that are configured to communicate with one anothervia the Internet or other network 121. Of course, other architecturesare possible, for example, the server 101 can in fact comprise severalservers. Moreover, typically, there are hundreds, thousands, or evenhundreds of thousands of client devices 111 or more in communicationwith the server 101 via the network 121. The exemplary topology shown inFIG. 1C merely serves to describe the features of the first embodimentof the present disclosure in a manner that will be readily understood toone of skill in the art. Further, it will be appreciated that thepresent disclosure is not limited to client—server implementations and,in fact, embodiments that do not have such implementations arespecifically encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

The server 101 will typically have one or more processing units (CPUs)10, a network or other communications interface (NIC) 110, a memory 114,one or more magnetic disk storage and/or persistent devices 120optionally accessed by one or more controllers 118, one or morecommunication busses 112 for interconnecting the aforementionedcomponents, and a power supply 124 for powering the aforementionedcomponents. Data in memory 114 can be seamlessly shared withnon-volatile memory 120 using known computing techniques such ascaching. Memory 114 and/or memory 120 can include mass storage that isremotely located with respect to the central processing unit(s) 108. Inother words, some data stored in memory 114 and/or memory 120 may infact be hosted on computers that are external to the server 101 but thatcan be electronically accessed by the server 101 over an Internet,intranet, or other form of network or electronic cable (illustrated aselement 121) using network interface 110.

Memory 114 preferably stores:

-   -   an operating system 130 that includes procedures for handling        various basic system services and for performing hardware        dependent tasks;    -   a network communications module 132 that is used for connecting        the server 101 to various client computers such as client        devices 111 and possibly to other servers or computers (such as        user computers, not shown) via one or more communication        networks, such as the Internet, other wide area networks, local        area networks (e.g., a local wireless network can connect the        client devices 111 to the server 101), metropolitan area        networks, and so on;    -   a report module 134 that collects information about user        activity with respect to media content on the platform for use        in generating activity reports, that stores such information in        report database 136, that receives requests from client device        111 for activity reports via network 121 and appropriate        hardware there between, and generates activity reports        responsive to such requests, and that transmits such activity        reports to client device 111 via network 121 and appropriate        hardware there between;    -   a marketing module 138 that receives requests from client device        111 to market a particular item of media content to users of a        particular demographic, generates suitable marketing campaigns        responsive to such requests, and distributes such marketing        campaigns to user computers (not shown) via network 121;    -   a distribution module 140 that receives user requests for        distribution of items of media content via network 121, that        distributes such items of media content to user computers via        network 121 responsive to such requests and in accordance with        digital rights management constraints defined by the content        creator, and that receives payment from users in exchange for        such distribution via network 121; and    -   a database of media content 142, e.g., containing a plurality of        items of media content created by a plurality of content        creators who digitally transmitted the items of media content to        server 101 via network 121 for distribution to users. Database        142 need not necessarily be co-located with the remainder of        server 101.

Note that report module 134, report database 136, marketing module 138,and distribution module 140 can be considered to form a “contentmanagement system.” As described in greater detail below, such a contentmanagement system may have additional functionalities and components,such as a catalog. Report database 136 and/or content database 142 canstore raw or derived content-related data (e.g., metadata) for use indetermining actions to be taken (e.g., based on particular analysis orconstraints). Examples of report database 136 and/or content database142 include relational database management systems (RDBMS), or amulti-dimensional database (MDDB), such as an Online AnalyticalProcessing (OLAP) database. In one embodiment, report database 136 andcontent database 142 constitute a single database.

The server 101 is connected via Internet/network 121 to one or moreclient devices 111 and to one or more user computers (not shown). FIG.1C illustrates the connection to only one such client device 111. It ispossible for the client device 111 or user computers (not shown) to be apersonal computer (e.g., desktop or laptop computer) or any form ofmobile computing device (e.g., an iPhone, BlackBerry, and the like).

In typical embodiments, a client device 111 comprises:

-   -   one or more processing units (CPUs) 2;    -   a network or other communications interface 40;    -   a memory 54;    -   optionally, one or more magnetic disk storage and/or persistent        storage devices 50 accessed by one or more optional controllers        48;    -   a user interface 4, the user interface 4 including a display 6        and a keyboard or keypad 8;    -   one or more communication busses 42 for interconnecting the        aforementioned components; and    -   a power supply 44 for powering the aforementioned components,        which power supply can be, for example, batteries.        In some embodiments, data in memory 54 can be seamlessly shared        with optional non-volatile memory 20 using known computing        techniques such as caching. In some embodiments the client        device 111 does not have a magnetic disk storage device. For        instance, in some embodiments, the client device 111 is a        portable handheld computing device, e.g., a laptop computer, a        personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a Blackberry,        or an iPhone, and the network interface 40 communicates with the        Internet/network 121 by wireless means.

The memory 54 preferably stores:

-   -   an operating system 30 that includes procedures for handling        various basic system services and for performing hardware        dependent tasks;    -   a network communication module 32 that is used for connecting        client device 111 to other computers such as server 101, in some        embodiments the network communication module 32 includes an        optional web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer        versions 6.0 or later, Firefox 2.x, Firefox 3.x, AOL 9, Opera        9.5 or later, Safari 3.x, Chrome 2.0 or higher, and, in some        embodiments, the optional web browser includes a module such as        a FLASH player;    -   a client application 34 that interfaces with server 101 and        includes the following three modules:    -   a report module 36 that generates an interface for display on        display 6 that a content creator can use to generate a request        for an activity report, that sends such a request to server 101        via network 121, that receives the requested activity report        from server 101 via network 121, and that processes the received        report so that the report is displayed on display 6 for the        content creator to view;    -   a marketing module 38 that generates an interface for display on        display 6 that a content creator can use to generate a request        for a particular marketing campaign, e.g., to request that a        particular item of media content be marketed to users of a        particular demographic, and that the content creator can use to        pay for such a marketing campaign, and that sends such a request        to server 101 via network 121; and    -   a distribution module 39 that generates an interface for display        on display 6 that a content creator can use to monitor user        activity with respect to a particular item of media content that        he created and made available for distribution via server 101        (e.g., had added to content database 142 and/or defined a        marketing campaign for). Such information may, for example, be        provided to distribution module by report module 134 in server        101.

Note that users can interact with server 101 in any of a variety ofsuitable ways. For example, as described below, the users may interactdirectly with server 101 via a web page-like interface. Alternatively,the content creator may post a “fan page,” advertisement, or otherinformation about an item of media content on a website e.g., a socialnetworking website, such as FaceBook or MySpace. If the users want toobtain even information about the item, they can click on a designatedlink on the posted page or ad, which link will take the user to a webpage that interfaces with server 101. Or, alternatively, the users maythe users may interact with server 101 via a dedicated website createdby the content creator that is “powered by” server 101. That is, server101 can market and distribute media content to users via contentcreator-defined interfaces.

FIG. 2 shows an example display 200 of certain components within aplatform for marketing and distributing media content. As noted above,in one non-limiting example, the platform is a server computer thatinterfaces with one or more client devices. However otherimplementations can be used. In some implementations, the platform caninclude a catalog 201. The catalog can include static elementscorresponding to aspects of the content that remain constant (e.g., orunchanging) in the platform. For example, a catalog can include staticelements corresponding to aspects of multimedia content, such as video(e.g., film) content 202. In this example, video content 202 can includecertain video attributes (e.g., title, plot, genre, ratings, credits,artwork, etc.). In other examples, a catalog can include static elementscorresponding to other types of multimedia content such as game content,audio content, e-books, software, electronic photos, and electronicartwork. Content can be added or deleted from the catalog, thus thecatalog can be dynamic. The content within the catalog (e.g., the plotof a movie within the catalog), is editable but does not generallychange and thus the content can be static. Thus, catalog data can be aglobally constant description (e.g., of defined structured data fields),that includes individual references corresponding to the content of eachobject (e.g., a video) individually. The catalog 201 can be stored, forexample, in content database 142 of server 101 illustrated in FIG. 1C.

In some implementations, the platform can include one or morepromotional functionalities 203. For example, a promotionalfunctionality 203 can include a limited ability to promote (market)content without the ability to sell the content. In this example, acontent creator can promote content prior to the content being availableto a user (e.g., for purchase). In another example, a third party(meaning someone other than a content provider or recipients of contentfrom the content provide) can create promotions (e.g., as aninfluencer), for a larger audience. Additionally, a third party canreceive a commission for promoting content without having a license tosell the content. This aspect will be discussed in greater detail withrespect to FIGS. 22-24 below. The promotional functionality 203 can be,for example, part of marketing module 138 of server 101 illustrated inFIG. 1C.

In some implementations, a promotional functionality 203 can include anability to up-sell content or properties of such content (e.g., thegrant of a license to the content, the expansion of the terms of thelicense to the content, an expansion of the quality, resolution or otherproperty of the content). In an example of such implementations, when auser exhibits an interest in paying a first amount for a limited uselicense to use content for a predefined time period, the content creatorcan dynamically create and offer the user another license option to usethe same content at a second amount and for a greater period of time.For example, when a user selects a content rental option or rentscontent (e.g., a video) for $5.00, the content creator (e.g., thefilmmaker), is notified or otherwise made aware (e.g., by requesting areport). Once aware, the content creator can dynamically create andoffer a content purchase option (e.g., reduce a purchase price from$15.00 to $11.00) to that user. This aspect will be discussed in greaterdetail with respect to FIGS. 18-19, below.

In some implementations, promotional functionality 203 can include anability to cross-sell content. The cross-sell option can allow thecontent creator the ability to familiarize the user with more content(e.g., content the user may not otherwise be aware of).

For example, when a user exhibits an interest in learning about content,the content creator can dynamically create a reference to relatedcontent. In this example, when a user selects a page on which content ishosted, the content creator is notified or otherwise made aware. Onceaware, the content creator can dynamically create a reference to relatedcontent (e.g., if you like A, you may be interested in B).

In another example, when a user exhibits an interest in licensingcontent, the content creator can dynamically create and offer the useranother license option for similar content. In this example, when a userselects a content rental or purchase option corresponding to firstcontent (e.g., a video), the content creator is notified or otherwisemade aware. Once aware, the content creator can dynamically create andoffer a content purchase option for similar second content (e.g., if youlike A, you can buy B for $3.00).

In yet another example, when a user exhibits an interest in licensingcontent, the content creator can dynamically create and offer the useran additional license for similar content. In this example, when a userselects a web page or panel on which content is hosted, the contentcreator is notified or otherwise made aware. Once aware, the contentcreator can dynamically create and offer a content purchase option forthe content on the current web page or panel as well as one or moreadditional purchase options for the similar content (e.g., if you likeA, you can buy A and B together for $10.00). These cross-sell aspectswill be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 20, 20A, 20B,and 21 below.

In some implementations, using the catalog 201, one or more licensingoptions (e.g., licensing packages 204), can be dynamically generated bya content creator using the system. In other implementations, using thecatalog 201 and the promotional functionality 203, one or more licensingoptions (e.g., licensing packages 204), can be dynamically generated bya content creator using the system. Licensing packages 204 can includethe price and terms of a licensing agreement between a content creatorand a user. A user can be concurrently presented with one or morelicensing options. In exemplary instances in which the content is afilm, licensing options can include, but are not limited to, a “highdefinition” (“HD”) option (e.g., a “Blu-Ray” quality option), an optionthat defines the terms of a rental agreement, an option that defines theterms of a purchase agreement, an option indicating whether the contentis downloadable, or an option indicating whether the user has access tobonus content. The various licensing packages 204 can be, for example,part of marketing module 138 of server 101 of FIG. 1C.

Additionally, in some implementations, one or more additional licensingpackages 204 can be dynamically generated and presented to the userbased upon user interaction with the system. For example, as notedabove, a content creator can dynamically offer the user an up-sell or across-sell based upon a user selection. In some implementations, when auser executes a first license package 204 (e.g., rents content), andaccepts an offer to execute a second license package 204 (e.g., purchasethe rented content), the first license can expire upon the execution(e.g., acceptance) of the second offer. In other implementations, when auser executes a first licensing package 204 (e.g., purchase of astandard definition version of a film), and accepts an offer to executea second license package 204 (e.g., rent a high definition version ofthe film), the first license can run concurrently with the second offer.In still other implementations, when a user executes a first licensingpackage 204 (e.g., purchase of a standard definition version of a film),and accepts an offer to execute a second license package 204 (e.g., renta high definition version of the film), the first license can besuspended for the duration of the second offer. For example, the firstlicense can be selectively or automatically reinstated upon completionof the second offer.

Additionally, in some implementations, licensing packages 204 can beactivated and deactivated. For example, a licensing package 204 can beactivated or deactivated manually (e.g., by the content creator),automatically (e.g., by the system), or in accordance with one or morepredefined settings (e.g., set by a content creator). Dynamic creationof licensing packages 204 will be discussed in greater detail withrespect to FIGS. 18-24 below.

FIG. 3 shows an example display 300 of additional relationships withinthe platform, including the actors within the system. In addition torelationships between the catalog 201, the promotional functionality203, and the licensing packages 204, in some implementations, there canbe additional relationships. Additional relationships can exist amongcontent creators (e.g., participants 301), and the users of content(e.g., audience 306). Relationships can be developed based uponinteractions with one or more aspects of the platform, for example. Forexample, as noted above, using the catalog 201 and the promotionalfunctionality 203, a participant 301 can offer one or more licensingpackages 204 to an audience member 306 (e.g., a audience). In thisexample, participants 301 can include a content provider such as anyoneoffering a license for content (e.g., a filmmaker or a distributor), oranyone participating in the creation of the content (e.g., actors,writers, or directors).

In some implementations, a searchable index 302, which may for examplebe included in report module 134 illustrated in FIG. 1C, can facilitatesite navigation and organization of raw (e.g., unprocessed) and derived(e.g., processed) data corresponding to user interaction with theplatform. In some implementations, the index 302 can include ahierarchical arrangement of un-weighted attributes corresponding tocontent in the system. In other implementations, the index 302 caninclude a hierarchical arrangement of weighted attributes correspondingto content in the system. Additionally, attributes can be weighteddifferently according to a plurality of factors or words. For example, acontent creator (e.g., a filmmaker), can determine that a particularword is of greater importance when searching the index. In this example,this term can be assigned a greater weight and thus it would appearhigher up on a list of search results for that term.

Audience 306 can interact with the index 302 (e.g., to search and locatedata). In some implementations, based upon audience 306 interaction withthe index 302, static data from the catalog 201 and one or morelicensing packages 204 can be presented to audience 306. In someimplementations, site activity 304 (e.g., audience interaction with awebsite), can be indexed 302 and stored for later analysis. In theseimplementations, audience interaction can include all activity up to andincluding a purchase. Thus, even if a purchase is not made, data relatedto audience interaction with content on the website can be indexed andused for later analysis. In these implementations, audience interactioncan include all activity following a purchase. Thus, post purchase datarelated to audience interaction with content on the website can also beindexed and used for later analysis.

In some implementations, audience 306 can provide feedback to the systemusing an editorial functionality 303, which in some non-limitingembodiments may be a part of report database 136 of server 101illustrated in FIG. 1C. For example, audience 306 can critique content(e.g., write a review), or rate content. In another example, audience306 can participate in a conversation or on-line dialog about thecontent. In this example, audience 306 can participate in a chat roomdialog with one or more participants 301. In yet another example, anaudience member 306 can generate a review that can be posted ordisplayed (e.g., on a social network website), where the audience member306 and one or more other users can participate in a dialog about thecontent.

In some implementations, site activity 304 and editorial information 303are combined to generate intelligence 305 that can be used to generatenew promotional functionalities 203 and new licensing packages 204. Insome implementations, new promotional functionalities 203 and newlicensing packages 204 can be based on intelligence 305 and generatedmanually (e.g., by a participant 301). In some implementations, newpromotional functionalities 203 can be generated automatically (e.g., bythe system), based upon prior participant 301 or audience 306interactions with the system or based on one or more predefinedsettings. In one non-limiting embodiment, intelligence 305 is generatedby report module 134 of server 101 illustrated in FIG. 1C.

In some implementations, intelligence 305 can include raw (e.g.,unprocessed) and/or derived (e.g., processed) data. Intelligence 305 canbe dynamic (e.g., the return of content by a dissatisfied audience canautomatically change the intelligence 305). In some implementations,intelligence 305 can be processed and statistics can be automaticallygenerated (e.g., in real-time) based upon website activity (e.g.,audience 306 interaction). Generated statistics can be used (e.g., bythe system) to generate one or more reports (e.g., based upon audience306 interaction). For example, reports can be used to examine accounthistories and make recommendations (e.g., for a single account or for agroup of related accounts). Reports will be discussed in greater detailbelow with respect to FIGS. 40-49. In some implementations, generatedstatistics can be compared to one or more pre-defined benchmarks orthresholds to determine whether promotional functionalities 203 andlicensing packages 204 need to be adjusted. Adjustments to promotionalfunctionalities 203 and licensing packages 204 can allow a participant301 to define and refine efficient ways to target new and existingaudience members 306 based upon system intelligence 305.

In the present system, a globally constant description of static catalogdata 201 allows a content creator to organize data in accordance withuser interest and user preference with respect to content interaction.Additionally, other data corresponding to the distribution andmanagement of content (e.g., content price and related terms ofrestriction), can be defined dynamically (e.g., in accordance withintelligence 305). This decoupling facilitates data aggregation,cross-content recommendations, and the dynamic (e.g., “on-the-fly”)creation and distribution of licensing packages (e.g., in real-time).For instance, all users can benefit from the ability to interact withuniversal editorial information 303 while concurrently havingindividualized licensing packages 204 available (e.g., customized on anindividual user basis).

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary interface 400 for use by a content creator(e.g., a participant). Using the interface 400, the content creator canmanage content. For example, content interface 400 can include one ormore controls for managing 401 content. Controls for managing contentcan include, but are not limited to, a catalog control 402, a reportscontrol 403, and an ad campaign control 404. Additionally, interface 400can include a viewing area 405 (e.g., a window), for interacting (e.g.,viewing) with content.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary interface 500 for a catalog control 402.Activating catalog control 402 can cause the system to generate cataloginterface 500. In some implementations, catalog interface 500 caninclude catalog manager 501. In these implementations, catalog manager501 can include one or more controls that can be used to interact withcontent in catalog 201. Exemplary controls can include any combinationof film catalog control 502, offers control 503, up-sell control 504,cross-sell control 505, and indirect control 506. Activating the filmcatalog control 502 can cause the system to generate a list of content(e.g., film content) created by the content creator using the system(e.g., as recognized by a unique challenge such as a log-in username andpassword). The list can include any combination of a visualrepresentation of the content 507, a textual description of the content508, and a visual indication 509 (e.g., a checkbox) indicative ofwhether the content is active or inactive (e.g., a checked box canindicate active content and an unchecked box can indicate inactivecontent). In some implementations, using an add control 510, the contentcreator can add content to the system, and using the edit control 511,the content creator can edit content in the system.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary interface 600 for adding or editing contentusing a control (e.g., film catalog control 502), within catalog manager501 (from FIG. 5). The interface 600 can include one or more controlsfor adding or editing content. For example, interface 600 can includeany combination of presentation control 601, categories control 602,reception control 603, promotion content control 604, bonus contentcontrol 605, territories control 606, and restrictions control 607.Activating presentation control 601 can cause the system to generatepresentation interface 608 including one or more areas for enteringinformation about content. For example, presentation interface 608 caninclude title area 609 (e.g., for entering the title of film content)and plot area 610 (e.g., for entering text regarding the plot of filmcontent). The presentation interface 608 can also include active control611 corresponding to visual indication 509 of FIG. 5. Selecting activecontrol 611 can be an indication that the content is active andde-selecting active control 611 can be an indication that the content isinactive. Additionally, selecting active control 611 can cause thesystem to check visual indication 509 for the content on interface 500of FIG. 5 (e.g., indicating that the content is active).

FIG. 7 shows another exemplary interface 700 for adding or editingcontent using a control (e.g., film catalog control 502), within catalogmanager 501 (from FIG. 5). Activating the categories control 602 in FIG.6, can cause the system to generate categories interface 701 includingone or more areas for entering information about content. For example,categories interface 701 can include cast and crew area 702 (e.g., forentering information about the cast and crew of film content), genresarea 703 (e.g., for entering information about the genre of filmcontent), and ratings area 704 (e.g., for entering information about therating of film content).

FIG. 8 shows another exemplary interface 800 for adding or editingcontent using a control (e.g., film catalog control 502), within catalogmanager 501 (from FIG. 5). Activating reception control 603 in FIG. 6,can cause the system to generate reception interface 801 including oneor more areas for entering information about content. For example,reception interface 801 can include any combination of awards area 802(e.g., for entering information about awards given to film content),festivals area 803 (e.g., for entering information about festivalsincluding film content), and reviews area 804 (e.g., for enteringinformation about professional reviews of film content).

FIG. 9 shows another exemplary interface 900 for adding or editingcontent using a control (e.g., film catalog control 502), within catalogmanager 501 (from FIG. 5). Activating promotion content control 604 inFIG. 6, can cause the system to generate promotion content interface 901including one or more areas for entering information about content. Forexample, promotion content interface 901 can include any combination oftrailers area 905 (e.g., for entering information about trailers of thefilm content), key frames area 902 (e.g., for entering information aboutstill images or key frames from the film content), and memorable quotesarea 903 (e.g., for entering information about memorable quotes withinthe film content). Promotion content interface 901 can also includelength of preview control 904 (e.g., for setting a length of a previewof content).

FIG. 10 shows another exemplary interface 1000 for adding or editingcontent using a control (e.g., the film catalog control 502), withincatalog manager 501 (from FIG. 5). Activating bonus content control 605in FIG. 6 can cause the system to generate bonus content interface 1001including one or more areas for entering information about bonuscontent. For example, bonus content interface 1000 can include bonusvideos area 905 (e.g., for entering information about bonus videoscorresponding to or available with the film content). In someimplementations, a content creator can make bonus content availabledynamically as a licensing package. In these implementations, the bonuscontent licensing packages can run independent of or dependent upon anyother licensing agreement (e.g., rental or purchase license).Additionally, a content provider can make bonus content available on thesystem dynamically, and at any time. Any bonus content made available onthe system can be downloaded by a user at any time, once the user haspurchased the corresponding bonus content licensing agreement.

FIG. 11 shows another example interface 1100 for adding or editingcontent using a control (e.g., the film catalog control 502), withincatalog manager 501 (from FIG. 5). Activating territories control 606 inFIG. 6, can cause the system to generate territories interface 1101including one or more areas for entering information about content. Forexample, territories interface 1101 can include preview area 1102 forselecting one or more geographic regions (e.g., cities, states, towns,regions, countries, sets of countries, etc.) and/or Internet domains(e.g., predetermined sets of IP address, top level domains, country codetop level domains, websites, ISPs, etc.) from which the content creatorwill allow users to preview the content (e.g., the film content). In theexample depicted in FIG. 11, if the content creator would like toexclude any users within a particular country from being able to previewthe content, the content creator can select that country (e.g., byhighlighting the country and activating a select button). Once selected,the country will appear in no preview area 1103 and users in thatcountry will not be permitted to preview the content.

In another example, the content creator can choose to not permitpreviews of the content in all countries except a select few. In thisexample, the content creator can select all the countries listed inpreview area 1102 (e.g., by highlighting those countries and activatinga select button). The list of countries will then appear in no previewarea 1103. To select particular countries allowed to preview thecontent, the content creator would then select that country in nopreview area 1103 (e.g., by highlighting the country and activating aselect button). Once selected, the country will appear in preview area1102 and users in that country will be permitted to preview the content.In some implementations, territories interface 1101 can assist a contentcreator in conforming to the terms of a geographically restrictivethird-party licensing agreement.

FIG. 12 shows another exemplary interface 1200 for adding or editingcontent using a control (e.g., the film catalog control 502), withincatalog manager 501 (from FIG. 5). Activating restrictions control 607in FIG. 6, can cause the system to generate restrictions interface 1201including one or more areas for entering information about content. Forexample, restrictions interface 1200 can include manage profanities area1202 used to restrict the type of language allowed in tags and reviews(e.g., submitted by audiences providing feedback to the system usingeditorial functionality 303). The manage profanities area 1202 caninclude any combination of tolerance to graphic language area 1203(e.g., indicating a permitted level of tolerance), and types of languageto restrict area 1204 (e.g., by subject matter

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary interface 1300 for creating offers (e.g.,licensing packages) using a control (e.g., the offers control 503),within catalog manager 501 (from FIG. 5). In some implementations,offers (e.g., licensing packages) can be dynamically created (e.g., by acontent creator) at any time, and offered as a licensing option (e.g.,to a user). In some implementations, interface 1300 can include one ormore controls for defining a licensing package. For example, a licensingoption can include the purchase of content (e.g., film content). In thisexample, using offer type control 1301, a content provider (e.g., aparticipant), can select a purchase option. Additionally, a contentprovider can set a price for the purchase option using the price control1302. In some implementations, additional controls (e.g., checkboxes),can be used to set one or more parameters of a licensing package (e.g.,whether a licensing package is active 1303, whether a content downloadwill be allowed 1304, or whether bonus content can be downloaded 1305).Once all the terms of a licensing package have been determined, thelicensing package can be generated and displayed.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary interface 1400 for use when interacting withone or more licensing packages. As noted above, once a licensing packagehas been generated, the licensing package can be displayed. In someimplementations, the display for a purchase licensing package caninclude purchase button 1401. Activating purchase button 1401 allows theuser (e.g., an audience), to purchase content associated with a purchaselicensing package. In some implementations, additional information canbe displayed (e.g., a description of the licensing package 1402, or aprice of the licensing package 1403). Additionally, as noted above,selecting active control 1303 (from FIG. 13), can cause the system tocheck visual indication 1404 for the purchase licensing package oninterface 1400 (e.g., indicating that the purchase licensing package isactive).

In some implementations, the system can also generate a rental licensingpackage, in which a recipient of the content can play the content anynumber of times desired within a period of time defined by the license,and a play n-number of times licensing package, in which a recipient ofthe content can only play the content n number of times (e.g., once,twice, three times, etc.). FIG. 15 shows an exemplary interface 1500 forcreating an offer (e.g., a rental licensing package). FIG. 16 shows anexemplary interface 1600 for use when interacting with one or morelicensing packages. In some implementations, each licensing package canbe displayed separately. In some implementations, activation of purchasebutton 1401 can be tied to rental button 1402 (e.g., selection ofpurchase button 1401 can deactivate the licensing package associatedwith a previously selected rental button 1402). In some implementations,each licensing package can be activated and deactivated separately.Thus, in these implementations, purchase button 1401 can be activatedand deactivated separately and distinctly from rental button 1402 (e.g.,activation of purchase button 1401 can have no effect upon the state ofrental button 1402). FIG. 17 shows an exemplary interface 1700 forcreating another offer (e.g., a play once licensing package). One ofskill in the art will appreciate that the play once licensing offer inFIG. 17 is just one example of a n-number of times licensing package andthat the present disclosure fully contemplates an n-number of timeslicensing package where n is any positive integer.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary up-sell interface 1800 for creating anup-sell (e.g., an up-sell licensing package) using a control (e.g., theup-sell control 504), within catalog manager 501 (from FIG. 5). In someimplementations, an up-sell (e.g., an up-sell licensing package) can bedynamically created (e.g., by a content creator) at any time, andoffered as a licensing option (e.g., to a user). In someimplementations, interface 1800 can include one or more controls fordefining an up-sell licensing package. As noted above, an up-sell caninclude an ability to up-sell content (e.g., using a licensing package).In these implementations, when a user exhibits an interest in paying afirst amount for a limited use license to use content for a predefinedtime period (e.g., a day), the content creator can dynamically createand offer the user another license option to use the same content at asecond amount and for a different period of time (e.g., forever).

Referring to FIG. 18, a content creator can create an up-sell option forany content created and/or offered by the content creator (e.g., sourcecontent 1801) as well as an upgrade 1802 to any content created and/oroffered by the content creator. Up-sell interface 1800 can include oneor more areas for entering data corresponding to the up-sell. Forexample, up-sell interface 1800 can include any combination of pricearea 1803 (e.g., for setting an up-sell price), currency area 1804(e.g., for setting a type of currency for the up-sell), start date 1805(e.g., for setting a start date for the up-sell offer), end date 1806(e.g., for setting an end date for the up-sell offer), and activecontrol 1807 (e.g., for indicating whether the up-sell licensing packageis active). Once submitted, an up-sell licensing package can bedisplayed (e.g., to a user). FIG. 19 shows an exemplary interface 1900for use when interacting with one or more up-sell licensing packages. Asnoted above, selecting active control 1807 can cause the system to checkvisual indication 1901 for the up-sell licensing package on interface1900 (e.g., indicating that the up-sell licensing package is active).

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary cross-sell interface 2000 for creating across-sell option (e.g., a cross-sell licensing package) using a control(e.g., cross-sell control 505) within catalog manager 501 (from FIG. 5).In some implementations, a cross-sell option (e.g., a cross-selllicensing package) can be dynamically created (e.g., by a contentcreator) at any time, and offered as a licensing option (e.g., to auser). In some implementations, interface 2000 can include one or morecontrols for defining a cross-sell licensing package. As noted above, across-sell can include an ability to cross-sell related or unrelatedcontent (e.g., using a licensing package). For example, when a userexhibits an interest in licensing content, the content creator candynamically create and offer the user another license option for similarcontent.

Referring to FIG. 20, a content creator can create a cross-sell optionfor any content. Cross-sell interface 2000 can include one or more areasfor entering data corresponding to a cross-sell option. For example,cross-sell interface 2000 can include any combination of start date 2001(e.g., for setting a start date for the cross-sell offer), end date 2002(e.g., for setting an end date for the cross-sell offer), and activecontrol 2003 (e.g., for indicating whether the cross-sell licensingpackage is active). Once submitted, a cross-sell licensing package canbe displayed.

FIG. 20A shows an exemplary license cross-sell interface 2010 forcreating a cross-sell option. Cross-sell interface 2010 can include oneor more areas for entering data corresponding to a cross-sell option.For example, when a user exhibits an interest in licensing content, thecontent creator can dynamically create and offer the user anotherlicense option for similar content. In this example, when a user selectsa content rental or purchase option corresponding to first content(e.g., a video), the content creator is notified or otherwise madeaware. Once aware, the content creator can dynamically create and offera content purchase option for similar second content (e.g., if you likeA, you can buy B for $3.00).

FIG. 20B shows an exemplary bundle cross-sell interface 2020 forcreating a cross-sell option. Cross-sell interface 2020 can include oneor more areas for entering data corresponding to a cross-sell option. Inyet another example, when a user exhibits an interest in licensingcontent, the content creator can dynamically create and offer the useran additional licensing bundle for similar content. In this example,when a user selects a page on which content is hosted, the contentcreator is notified or otherwise made aware. Once aware, the contentcreator can dynamically create and offer a content purchase option forthe content on the current page as well as one or more additionalpurchase options for the similar content (e.g., if you like A, you canbuy A and B together for $10.00), as part of a bundle of content.

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary interface 2100 for use when interacting withone or more cross-sell licensing packages. As noted above, selectingactive control 2003 can cause the system to check visual indication 2101for the cross-sell licensing package on interface 2100 (e.g., indicatingthat the cross-sell licensing package is active).

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary indirect interface 2000 for creating aninsider offer (e.g., a pitch licensing package) using a control (e.g.,indirect control 506), within catalog manager 501 (from FIG. 5). In someimplementations, an insider offer (e.g., a pitch licensing package), canbe dynamically created at any time (e.g., by a content creator), andoffered as a licensing option (e.g., to a third party user such as anindustry insider). In some implementations, interface 2200 can includeone or more controls for defining an insider offer (e.g., a limitedability to promote content without the ability to sell the content). Acontent creator can create an insider offer for any content. Insiderinterface 2200 can include one or more areas for entering datacorresponding to an insider offer. For example, insider interface 2200can include pitch area 2201 for indicating one or more terms of a pitchlicensing package, and active control 2202 (e.g., for indicating whetherthe pitch licensing package is active). Once submitted, the pitchlicensing package can be displayed.

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary interface 2300 for use when interacting withone or more pitch licensing packages. As noted above, selecting theactive control 2202 can cause the system to check the visual indication2301 for the pitch licensing package on interface 2300 (e.g., indicatingthat the pitch licensing package is active). In some implementations,when a third party (e.g., an influencer or industry insider), indicatesan interest in content (e.g., by selecting the content), the contentcreator can send the industry insider a pitch licensing package. Inthese implementations, the content creator can be notified of theinsider interest (e.g., by the system), or discover the insider interestby monitoring the system (e.g., by generating one or more reports).

In some implementations, an influencer can be any third party whoinfluences the awareness, perception, viewing behaviors, or purchasingbehaviors of others within the influencer's community, locale, socialnetwork, peer group, colleagues, etc., to raise awareness, promotedialog or generate sales of content.

In some implementations, an insider can be any third party granted theright to perform one or more of the following functions with respect tocontent or content-related data: processing, marketing, promotion,management, packaging, merchandising, fulfillment, delivery,distribution, licensing, and enforcement of content or content-relateddata. In some implementations, an insider can be considered a contentprovider.

A content provider is any third party granted the right to market ordistribute (including, without limitation, subdistribution, syndication,and licensing of) a content creator's content or content-related data. Acontent provider can include, but is not limited to, a distributor,subdistributor, producer's representative, sales agent, buyer,aggregator, publisher, network, broadcaster, syndicator, assignee, andlicensee of content or content-related data. In some implementations, acontent provider can perform any and all functions associated with thesystems and methods provided herein.

It should be understood that any and all functions performed by acontent creator can also be performed by a content provider.

In some implementations, an insider interest functionality allows theinsider to limit the number of pitch licensing packages they receive(e.g., packages are only sent when interest is expressly indicated).Additionally, content creators are able to monitor insider interest. Forexample, when an insider indicates interest in content, the contentcreator can run a report to see whether additional different insiderinterest exists. If the report is indicative of additional differentinsider interest, the content creator can choose to negotiate with theinsider. If the report is indicative of no additional insider interest,the content creator can choose to accept an insider offer withoutfurther negotiation. FIG. 24 shows an exemplary interface 2400 for useby an industry insider (e.g., a third party promoter or influencer).Using the interface 2400, an industry insider can indicate interest in,view, and express an interest in licensing content.

In some implementations, when a party (e.g., a content creator or athird party), indicates an interest in promoting content (e.g., using anad campaign), the system can generate one or more content-relatedadvertisements. FIGS. 24A-24G show exemplary interfaces for interactingwith content to create, renew, generate, and/or display content-relatedadvertisements. FIG. 24A shows example interface 2410 for use by a party(e.g., a content creator or a third party). FIG. 24B shows exemplaryinterface 2420 including a list of renewable content-relatedadvertisements 2421 and a link 2422 to facilitate creation of newrenewable content-related advertisements. FIG. 24C shows an exemplaryinterface 2430 including one or more areas for entering content-relateddata. Using exemplary interface 2430, a party (e.g., a content creatoror a third party), can generate one or more content-relatedadvertisements. FIG. 24D shows an example interface 2440 including asummary of a new content-related advertisement corresponding to thecontent-related data entered in FIG. 24C. Using example interface 2440,a party (e.g., a content creator or a third party), can confirm orcancel a new content-related advertisement. In some implementations,when a new content-related advertisement is confirmed, the system cangenerate a payment screen to facilitate payment.

FIG. 24E shows an exemplary interface 2450 including one or more areasfor entering content-related data. Using example interface 2450, a party(e.g., a content creator or a third party), can renew one or moreexisting content-related advertisements. FIG. 24F shows an exemplaryinterface 2460 including a renewal summary of the content-relatedadvertisement corresponding to the content-related data entered in FIG.24E. Using exemplary interface 2460, a party (e.g., a content creator ora third party), can confirm or cancel the renewal of a content-relatedadvertisement. In some implementations, when the renewal of acontent-related advertisement is confirmed, the system can generate apayment screen to facilitate payment.

FIG. 24G shows an exemplary interface 2470 of search results (e.g.,based upon a search that incorporates one or more advertisementkeywords). Exemplary interface 2470 can be viewed by any user (e.g.,audience member), using the system. Exemplary interface 2470 can includea graphical depiction of content 2471 (e.g., the promoted videocontent), corresponding to a content-related advertisement and one ormore content-related advertisement keywords. Additionally, exemplaryinterface 2470 can also include a graphical depiction of search results2472 (e.g., content that corresponds to the search that incorporates theone or more content-related advertisement keywords).

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary interface 2500 for setting and editing user(e.g., audience member) account settings. Interface 2500 can include oneor more areas for entering user account information such as a uniquechallenge (e.g., user name and a password) and any other personalinformation requested or required by the system. Interface 2500 can alsoinclude an account preferences area 2501 for setting one or more useraccount preferences such as tolerance for strong language setting 2503,strong language classification filter 2504, and other account preferenceoptions 2505 (e.g., display unrated content, closed captioning, productand service updates, and profile creation). Additionally, interface 2500can also include linked accounts area 2502 for indicating relatedaccounts (e.g., social networking accounts), and facilitating connectionto related accounts.

FIG. 26 shows an exemplary interface 2600 for viewing account activity(e.g., active rentals, viewing history, purchases, or download history).Interface 2600 can include expandable active rental area 2601 forviewing information corresponding to currently active rentals. FIG. 27also shows exemplary interface 2600 for viewing account activity.Interface 2600 can also include an expandable viewing history area 2701for viewing information corresponding to a user viewing history. FIG. 28also shows exemplary interface 2600 for viewing account activity.Interface 2600 can also include an expandable my purchases area 2801 forviewing information corresponding to the user purchases. FIG. 29 alsoshows exemplary interface 2600 for viewing account activity. Interface2600 can also include an expandable “my download” history area 2901 forviewing information corresponding to a user download history.

FIG. 30 shows an exemplary interface 3000 for use by a user (e.g., anaudience member), when interacting with the system. Using the interface3000, a user can interact with content. For example, interface 3000 caninclude a viewing area 3001 (e.g., a window), for interacting with(e.g., viewing), content. In some implementations, as noted above,content can be categorized statically (e.g., by the user) or dynamically(e.g., manually by the user or automatically by the system). In theseimplementations, a user can browse categorized content (e.g., by genreor by popularity).

FIGS. 31-34 show exemplary interfaces for browsing content. FIG. 31shows an exemplary interface 3100 for browsing content. Interface 3100can include one or more example controls 3101, 3102, 3103, and 3104 forchanging content perspective (e.g., zooming in (drilling down) oncontent and zooming out (drilling up) on content). Interface 3100includes a depiction of content from the perspective associated withexample control 3101. Selecting another exemplary control can providethe user with a different perspective of the content. FIG. 32 shows anexemplary interface 3200 including a depiction of content from theperspective associated with example control 3102. FIG. 33 shows anexemplary interface 3300 including a depiction of content from theperspective associated with example control 3103. FIG. 34 shows anexemplary interface 3400 including a depiction of content from theperspective associated with example control 3104.

FIGS. 35-39 show exemplary interfaces for interacting with content. FIG.35 shows an exemplary interface 3500 that is an expanded version ofinterface 3000 (shown in FIG. 30) for use by a user (e.g., an audiencemember) when interacting with the system. Specifically, interface 3000(from FIG. 30) can be expanded into a fixed interface 3500 showingadditional controls 3502, 3503, and 3504 that can be used to interactwith content. For example, interacting with an “about this” control 3502(e.g., an “about this film” control) can cause the system to generateand display data corresponding to content (e.g., content displayed inviewing area 3001) in expanded viewing area 3501. In someimplementations, interface 3500 can also include one or more contentrecommendations 3505. In some implementations, one or more licensingpackages noted above (e.g., an up-sell) can be manually (e.g., by acontent creator) or dynamically (e.g., by the system) generated anddisplayed to a user. FIG. 35A shows an exemplary interface 3550including a licensing package upgrade option 3551 (e.g., an unlimitedcontent download for a purchase price of $71). Additionally, FIG. 35Aincludes a larger interface 3000 (from FIG. 30) and a dynamicallyexpanded area that can contain catalog and editorial information thatbecomes available after a user has purchased content. In someimplementations, selecting the licensing package 3551 can cause thesystem to end any other licensing package (e.g., a limited rental)corresponding to the same content.

FIG. 36 shows an example interface 3600 including additional “reviews”control 3503 (e.g., a “customer reviews” control). Interacting withreviews control 3503 can cause the system to generate and display one ormore areas in which a user (e.g., a customer) can enter datacorresponding to a review of content (e.g., content displayed in viewingarea 3001) in expanded viewing area 3601. Review data can be displayed(e.g., in accordance with manage profanities area 1202 noted in FIG. 12above). For example, reviews can be edited automatically by the systemto comply with graphic language area 1203, and types of language torestrict area 1204 in manage profanities area 1202 (e.g., noted above inFIG. 12). FIG. 37 shows an exemplary interface 3700 displaying reviewdata in expanded viewing area 3701.

FIG. 38 shows an exemplary interface 3800 including additional “tags”control 3504. Interacting with the tags control 3504 can cause thesystem to generate and display one or more areas in which a user (e.g.,a customer) can enter tag data corresponding to a content tag (e.g., atag corresponding to and used to search for content displayed in viewingarea 3001), in expanded viewing area 3801. Tag data can be displayed(e.g., in accordance with manage profanities area 1202 noted above). Insome implementations, tags can be edited automatically by the system tocomply with graphic language area 1203, and types of language torestrict area 1204 in manage profanities area 1202. FIG. 39 shows anexemplary interface 3900 displaying tag data in expanded viewing area3901.

In some implementations, as noted with respect to FIG. 3 above,intelligence 305 can be processed and statistics can be automaticallygenerated (e.g., in real-time) based upon website activity (e.g.,audience 306 interaction). Generated statistics can be used (e.g., bythe system) to generate one or more reports (e.g., based upon audience306 interaction). For example, reports can be used by a content creatorto examine account histories and to make one or more contentrecommendations or offers (e.g., licensing packages). Additionally,content recommendations or offers can be made available for a singleaccount or for a group of related accounts.

Reports can be generated according to one or more parameters such asreport type, report demographic, and report dimension. Report types caninclude, but are not limited to, business activity and site activity. Insome implementations, business activity and site activity can be furthercategorized. For example, business activity can be categorized byrevenues, purchases, impressions, streams, downloads, bookmarks,ratings, reviews, tags, insider interactions, video search clickthroughs, video search ad click throughs, video search ad impressions,and referral search ad impressions. Site activity, for example, can becategorized by visitors, logins, registrations, revenues, purchases,impressions, streams, downloads, bookmarks, ratings, reviews, tags,insider interactions, video search click throughs, video search ad clickthroughs, video search ad impressions, and referral search adimpressions.

FIGS. 40-49 show exemplary interfaces for interacting with content togenerate and display reports. FIG. 40 shows exemplary interface 4000including an example activity report. In some implementations, anexample activity report can include one or more selectable options forspecifying content selection and for generating one or more graphicinterpretations (e.g., scatter plot, pie chart, bar chart, etc.) of theselected content. In this example, an activity report has been generatedbased upon the report demographic 4001. Report demographic 4001 caninclude selectable region 4002 that can list one or more selectablereport demographic options such as country, gender, or age. In thisexample, an activity report has been generated based upon a selection4002 of report demographic 4001 country. Additionally, a selection 4002of a report demographic 4001 country can cause the system to generateone or more additional options (e.g., dropdown menu 4003) for specifyingcontent selection by geographic region (e.g., cities, states, towns,regions, countries, sets of countries, etc.). Example interface 4000also includes a graphic interpretation 4004 of the selected content.

FIG. 41 shows an exemplary interface 4100 including another exemplaryactivity report. In this example, an activity report has been generatedbased upon a selection 4002 of the report demographic 4001 “gender”.Additionally, a selection 4002 of a report demographic 4001 can causethe system to generate one or more additional options (e.g., dropdownmenu 4103), for specifying content selection by gender. Exemplaryinterface 4100 also includes a graphic interpretation 4104 of theselected content. FIG. 42 shows an exemplary interface 4200 includinganother exemplary activity report. In this example, an activity reporthas been generated based upon a selection 4002 of a report demographic4001 age. Additionally, a selection 4002 of a report demographic 4001can cause the system to generate one or more additional options (e.g.,options area 4201), for specifying content selection by age (e.g., agegrouping, maximum age, or minimum age). Exemplary interface 4200 alsoincludes a graphic interpretation 4202 of the selected content.

FIG. 43 shows an exemplary interface 4300 including another exemplaryactivity report. In this example, the activity report has been generatedbased upon the report dimension 4301. Report dimension 4301 can includea selectable region 4302 that can list one or more selectable reportdimension options such as rating, video, genre, or type of licensepackage. In this example, an activity report has been generated basedupon a selection 4302 of report dimension 4301 rating. Additionally, aselection 4302 of a report dimension 4301 rating can cause the system togenerate one or more additional options (e.g., dropdown menu 4303), forspecifying content selection by rating. Exemplary interface 4300 alsoincludes a graphic interpretation 4304 of the selected content.

FIG. 44 shows an exemplary interface 4400 including another exemplaryactivity report. In this example, an activity report has been generatedbased upon a selection 4302 of the report dimension 4301 video.Additionally, a selection 4302 of a report dimension can cause thesystem to generate one or more additional options (e.g., dropdown menu4401), for specifying content selection by video. Exemplary interface4400 also includes a graphic interpretation 4402 of the selectedcontent. FIG. 45 shows an exemplary interface 4500 including anotherexample activity report. In this example, an activity report has beengenerated based upon a selection 4302 of report dimension 4301 genre.Additionally, a selection 4302 of the report dimension 4301 can causethe system to generate one or more additional options (e.g., dropdownmenu 4501) for specifying content selection by genre. Exemplaryinterface 4500 also includes a graphic interpretation 4502 of theselected content.

FIG. 46 shows an exemplary interface 4400 including a pie chart graphicinterpretation 4601 of content. In this example, the content isgraphically displayed in a pie chart 4601 in accordance with a selected4002 report demographic 4001 gender. FIG. 47 shows an exemplaryinterface 4700 including a pie chart graphic interpretation 4701 ofcontent. In this example, the content is graphically displayed in a piechart 4701 in accordance with a selected 4302 report dimension 4301rating. In some implementations, one or more reports can be generatedbased upon any combination of report demographic and report dimensionselections.

FIG. 48 shows an exemplary interface 4800 including a bar chart graphicinterpretation 4801 of content. In this example, the content isgraphically displayed in a bar chart 4801 in accordance with a selected4002 report demographic 4001 gender and a selected 4302 report dimension4301 rating (e.g., as a cross section graphic display by gender andrating). FIG. 49 shows an exemplary interface 4900 including a bar chartgraphic interpretation 4901 of content. In this example, the content isgraphically displayed in a bar chart 4901 in accordance with a selected4002 report demographic 4001 gender and a selected 4302 report dimension4301 rating (e.g., as a cross section graphic display by rating andgender).

Embodiments of the subject matter and the functional operationsdescribed in this specification optionally can be implemented in digitalelectronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware,including the structures disclosed in this specification and theirstructural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them.Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can,for example, be implemented as one or more computer program products,e.g., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on acomputer-readable medium for execution by, or to control the operationof, data processing apparatus.

The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable tangible storagedevice, a machine-readable tangible storage substrate, a tangible memorydevice, or a combination of one or more of them. The term “dataprocessing apparatus” encompasses all apparatus, devices, and machinesfor processing data, including by way of example a programmableprocessor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. Theapparatus can include, in addition to hardware, code that creates anexecution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., codethat constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a databasemanagement system, an operating system, or a combination of one or moreof them, A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code), can be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can bedeployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module,component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computingenvironment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to afile in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a filethat holds other programs or data (e.g., on or more scripts stored in amarkup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program inquestion, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store oneor more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code). A computer programcan be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computersthat are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or morecomputer programs to perform functions by operating on input data andgenerating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performedby, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application-specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory ora random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer area processor for performing instructions and one or more memory devicesfor storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will alsoinclude, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer datato, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g.,magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computerneed not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded inanother device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a mobile audio player, a Global Positioning System (GPS)receiver, to name just a few. Computer-readable media suitable forstoring computer program instructions and data include all forms ofnonvolatile memory, media, and memory devices, including by way ofexample semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flashmemory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removabledisks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Theprocessor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in,special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subjectmatter described in this specification can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) to LCD (liquidcrystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and akeyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by whichthe user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example,feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input fromthe user can be received in any from, including acoustic, speech, ortactile input.

Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can beimplemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component,e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g.,an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., aclient computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browserthrough which a user can interact with an implementation of the subjectmatter described in this specification, or any combination of one ormore such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The componentsof the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digitaldata communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples ofcommunication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a widearea network (“WAN”), e.g., the Internet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particularembodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described inthis specification in the context or separate embodiments can also beimplemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures that are described in the context of a single embodiment canalso be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in anysuitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be describedabove as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed assuch, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some casesbe excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may bedirected o a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processingmay be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various systemcomponents in the embodiments described above should not be understoodas requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should beunderstood that the described program components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single software product orpackaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the invention have been described. Otherembodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example,the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different orderand still achieve desirable results.

1. A method of distributing an item of media content associated with acontent provider, the method comprising: providing a platform by which aplurality of content providers can market and distribute media contentto users; obtaining, using the platform, information about activity ofthe users on the platform in relation to the item of media content or inrelation to media content related to the item of media content;receiving at the platform a request, by a content provider in theplurality of content providers, for an activity report comprisinginformation related to a user demographic or a media contentcharacteristic; and responsive to the activity report request,providing, using the platform, the activity report to the contentprovider.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises aserver computer, and wherein the content provider interacts with theserver computer using a client device that is in communication with theserver computer via a network.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theitem of media content comprises a digital motion picture, a digitalsound recording, a digital book, or a digital image.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the content provider is the content creator of the itemof media content.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the item of mediacontent is classified within one or more groupings in the set ofgroupings consisting of genre, country of origin, spoken languages,subtitled languages, period of release, a group of professional orgovernment certifications or ratings, industry festival or eventselections, nominee for a particular award or recognition, and awardeeof a particular award or recognition.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinthe item of media content is classified within a group of media relatedto a particular person or entity.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein theinformation about activity of the users on the platform comprises a userdemographic or a media content characteristic.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the user demographic comprises age, gender, educationalbackground, financial status, employment background, religion, writtenor spoken language or languages, race, ethnic identity or background, orsexual orientation or preference.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein theuser demographic further comprises a geographic location.
 10. The methodof claim 9, wherein the geographic location is a city, state, country,or principality.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the user demographiccomprises membership in a grouping or subgrouping of a plurality ofusers based on a history of individual user interactions with theplatform as measured against a plurality of user interactions with theplatform.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the media contentcharacteristic comprises one or more genres, a country of origin, one ormore spoken languages, a presence of subtitles, a release date, one ormore professional or government certifications or ratings, a selectionby one or more industry festivals or events, one or more nominations orgrant of one or more awards, or a list of participants in the item ofmedia content.
 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the media contentcharacteristic comprises a list of participants in the item of mediacontent and wherein the list of participants in the item of mediacontent includes one or more contributors to creation of the item ofmedia content.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the contributors tothe creation of the item of media content includes one or moredirectors, one or more producers, one or more production managers, oneor more showrunners, one or more creators, one or more cinematographers,one or more writers, one or more actors, one or more art directors, oneor more effects supervisors, one or more music supervisors, one or morefoley artists, one or more technicians, one or more designers, or one ormore editors.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the contributors tothe creation of the item of media content includes one or more recordingartists, one or more musicians, one or more songwriters, one or morecomposers, one or more engineers, or one or more mixers.
 16. The methodof claim 13, wherein the contributors to the creation of the item ofmedia content includes one or more programmers, one or more developers,one or more character designers, one or more graphic designers, or oneor more artists.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the list ofparticipants in the item of media content further includes one ordistributors of the item of media content, one or more subdistributorsof the item of media content, one or more producer's representatives forthe item of media content, one or more sales agents involved in sale ofthe item of media content, one or more buyers involved in purchase ofthe item of media content, one or more aggregators involved inaggregation of the item of media content, one or more publishers of theitem of media content, one or more networks involved in communication ofthe item of media content, one or more broadcasters involved inbroadcast of the item of media content, or one or more syndicatorsinvolved in syndication of the item of media content.
 18. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the information about activity of the users on theplatform comprises a media content characteristic and wherein the mediacontent characteristic comprises a grouping or subgrouping of the itemof media content based on the history of a plurality of userinteractions with the item of media content as measured against aplurality of user interactions with media content different than theitem of media content.
 19. The method of claim 7, wherein theinformation about user activity on the platform further comprises alicense characteristic.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the licensecharacteristic comprises a purchase price, an availability of contentover a fixed period of time, an availability to download content or ageographic availability.
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the activityreport request further comprises information related to a licensecharacteristic for media content.
 22. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving a marketing request by the content provider tomarket the item of media content, provided by the content provider ofthe item of media content, to a subset of a plurality of users; andmarketing, responsive to the marketing request and using the platform,the item of media content to the subset of users.
 23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the subset of users are of a particular demographic.24. The method of claim 23, wherein the particular demographic comprisesa shared membership in at least one of age or age range, gender,educational background, financial status, employment background,religion, written or spoken language or languages, race, ethnic identityor background, or sexual orientation or preference.
 25. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the particular demographic further comprises ageographic location.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the geographiclocation is a city, a state, a country, or a principality.
 27. Themethod of claim 23, wherein the particular demographic comprises amembership in a grouping or subgrouping of the plurality of users basedon (i) a history of individual user interaction with the platform asmeasured against (ii) an aggregate of a plurality of user interactionswith the platform.
 28. The method of claim 1, further comprising:distributing of the item of media content to at least one user; andreceiving at the platform a request from the content provider to furthermarket or distribute the item of media content to a subset of users in aplurality of users.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the subset ofthe users comprises users of a particular demographic.
 30. The method ofclaim 29, wherein the particular demographic comprises a sharedmembership in at least one of age or age range, gender, educationalbackground, financial status, employment background, religion, writtenor spoken language or languages, race, ethnic identity or background, orsexual orientation or preference.
 32. The method of claim 30, whereinthe particular demographic further comprises a geographic location. 33.The method of claim 32, wherein the geographic location is a city, astate, a country, or a principality.
 34. The method of claim 29, whereinthe particular demographic comprises a membership in a grouping orsubgrouping of the plurality of users based on (i) a history of theindividual user interactions with the platform as measured against (ii)an aggregate of a plurality of user interactions with the platform. 35.The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an updated activityreport to the content creator, the updated activity report includinginformation about user activity subsequent to a marketing or adistribution of the item of media content.
 36. The method of claim 1,further comprising marketing the item of media content to a subset ofusers in a plurality of users.
 37. A method of distributing an item ofmedia content associated with a content provider, the method comprising:providing a platform by which a plurality of content providers canmarket and distribute media content to users; obtaining, using theplatform, information about activity of the users on the platform inrelation to the item of media content or in relation to media contentrelated to the item of media content; receiving at the platform arequest, by a content provider in the plurality of content providers,for an activity report comprising information related to a licensecharacteristic for media content; and responsive to the activity reportrequest, providing, using the platform, the activity report to thecontent provider.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the activityreport further comprises information related to a user demographic or amedia content characteristic.
 39. A method of distributing an item ofmedia content created by a content creator, using a platform by which afirst plurality of users can market and distribute media content to asecond plurality of users, wherein the platform comprises one or moreprogrammed computers that are individually or collectively suitablyprogrammed to: (A) obtain information about activity of the secondplurality of users over the Internet or a computer network; (B) receive,at the platform, a first request for an activity report about useractivity with respect to media content having a particularcharacteristic, wherein the first request is received over the Internetor the computer network from the content creator and wherein the mediacontent includes media that was not created by the content creator; and(C) provide, responsive to the first request, the activity report to thecontent creator over the Internet or the computer network.
 40. Themethod of 39, wherein the one or more programmed computers are furtherindividually or collectively suitably programmed to: (D) receive,responsive to the activity report, a second request over the Internet orthe computer network by the content creator to market the item of mediacontent created by the content creator to a first subset of the secondplurality of users; and (E) market, responsive to the second request,the item of media content using the platform over the Internet or thecomputer network to the first subset of the second plurality of users.41. The method of claim 40, wherein the selection of the first subset ofthe second plurality of users is responsive to the activity report. 42.The method of 39, wherein the one or more programmed computers arefurther individually or collectively suitably programmed to: (D)distribute, using the platform the item of media content over theInternet or the computer network to at least one user in the firstsubset of the second plurality of users; and (E) receive, at theplatform, a second request from the content creator to market ordistribute the item of media content to a second subset of the secondplurality of users and wherein the second request is received over theInternet or the computer network.
 43. The method of claim 42, whereinthe selection of the second subset of the second plurality of users isresponsive to the activity report.
 44. A computer-implemented system ofdistributing an item of media content associated with a contentprovider, the system comprising: a data processor; a computer-readablememory encoded with instructions for commanding the data processor toexecute steps that include: providing a platform by which a plurality ofcontent providers can market and distribute media content to users;obtaining, using the platform, information about activity of the userson the platform in relation to the item of media content or in relationto media content related to the item of media content; receiving at theplatform a request, by a content provider in the plurality of contentproviders, for an activity report comprising information related to auser demographic or a media content characteristic; and responsive tothe activity report request, providing, using the platform, the activityreport to the content provider.
 45. The system of claim 44, wherein theplatform comprises a server computer, and wherein the content providerinteracts with the server computer using a client device that is incommunication with the server computer via a network.
 46. The system ofclaim 44, wherein the item of media content comprises a digital motionpicture, a digital sound recording, a digital book, or a digital image.47. The system of claim 44, wherein the content provider is the contentcreator of the item of media content.
 48. The system of claim 44,wherein the item of media content is classified within one or moregroupings in the set of groupings consisting of genre, country oforigin, spoken languages, subtitled languages, period of release, agroup of professional or government certifications or ratings, industryfestival or event selections, nominee for a particular award orrecognition, and awardee of a particular award or recognition.
 49. Thesystem of claim 44, wherein the item of media content is classifiedwithin a group of media related to a particular person or entity. 50.The system of claim 44, wherein the information about activity of theusers on the platform comprises a user demographic or a media contentcharacteristic.
 51. The system of claim 50, wherein the user demographiccomprises age, gender, educational background, financial status,employment background, religion, written or spoken language orlanguages, race, ethnic identity or background, or sexual orientation orpreference.
 52. The system of claim 51, wherein the user demographicfurther comprises a geographic location.
 53. The system of claim 52,wherein the geographic location is a city, state, country, orprincipality.
 54. The system of claim 50, wherein the user demographiccomprises membership in a grouping or subgrouping of a plurality ofusers based on a history of individual user interactions with theplatform as measured against a plurality of user interactions with theplatform.
 55. The system of claim 50, wherein the media contentcharacteristic comprises one or more genres, a country of origin, one ormore spoken languages, a presence of subtitles, a release date, one ormore professional or government certifications or ratings, a selectionby one or more industry festivals or events, one or more nominations orgrant of one or more awards, or a list of participants in the item ofmedia content.
 56. The system of claim 50, wherein the media contentcharacteristic comprises a list of participants in the item of mediacontent and wherein the list of participants in the item of mediacontent includes one or more contributors to creation of the item ofmedia content.
 57. The system of claim 56, wherein the contributors tothe creation of the item of media content includes one or moredirectors, one or more producers, one or more production managers, oneor more showrunners, one or more creators, one or more cinematographers,one or more writers, one or more actors, one or more art directors, oneor more effects supervisors, one or more music supervisors, one or morefoley artists, one or more technicians, one or more designers, or one ormore editors.
 58. The system of claim 56, wherein the contributors tothe creation of the item of media content includes one or more recordingartists, one or more musicians, one or more songwriters, one or morecomposers, one or more engineers, or one or more mixers.
 59. The systemof claim 56, wherein the contributors to the creation of the item ofmedia content includes one or more programmers, one or more developers,one or more character designers, one or more graphic designers, or oneor more artists.
 60. The system of claim 56, wherein the list ofparticipants in the item of media content further includes one ordistributors of the item of media content, one or more subdistributorsof the item of media content, one or more producer's representatives forthe item of media content, one or more sales agents involved in sale ofthe item of media content, one or more buyers involved in purchase ofthe item of media content, one or more aggregators involved inaggregation of the item of media content, one or more publishers of theitem of media content, one or more networks involved in communication ofthe item of media content, one or more broadcasters involved inbroadcast of the item of media content, or one or more syndicatorsinvolved in syndication of the item of media content.
 61. The system ofclaim 50, wherein the information about activity of the users on theplatform comprises a media content characteristic and wherein the mediacontent characteristic comprises a grouping or subgrouping of the itemof media content based on the history of a plurality of userinteractions with the item of media content as measured against aplurality of user interactions with media content different than theitem of media content.
 62. The system of claim 50, wherein theinformation about user activity on the platform further comprises alicense characteristic.
 63. The system of claim 62, wherein the licensecharacteristic comprises a purchase price, an availability of contentover a fixed period of time, an availability to download content or ageographic availability.
 64. The system of claim 44, wherein theactivity report request further comprises information related to alicense characteristic for media content.
 65. The system of claim 44,further comprising: receiving a marketing request by the contentprovider to market the item of media content, provided by the contentprovider of the item of media content, to a subset of a plurality ofusers; and marketing, responsive to the marketing request and using theplatform, the item of media content to the subset of users.
 66. Thesystem of claim 65, wherein the subset of users are of a particulardemographic.
 67. The system of claim 66, wherein the particulardemographic comprises a shared membership in at least one of age or agerange, gender, educational background, financial status, employmentbackground, religion, written or spoken language or languages, race,ethnic identity or background, or sexual orientation or preference. 68.The system of claim 67, wherein the particular demographic furthercomprises a geographic location.
 69. The system of claim 68, wherein thegeographic location is a city, a state, a country, or a principality.70. The system of claim 66 wherein the particular demographic comprisesa membership in a grouping or subgrouping of the plurality of usersbased on (i) a history of individual user interaction with the platformas measured against (ii) an aggregate of a plurality of userinteractions with the platform.
 71. The system of claim 44, furthercomprising: distributing of the item of media content to at least oneuser; and receiving at the platform a request from the content providerto further market or distribute the item of media content to a subset ofusers in a plurality of users.
 72. The system of claim 71, wherein thesubset of the users comprises users of a particular demographic.
 73. Thesystem of claim 72, wherein the particular demographic comprises ashared membership in at least one of age or age range, gender,educational background, financial status, employment background,religion, written or spoken language or languages, race, ethnic identityor background, or sexual orientation or preference.
 74. The system ofclaim 72, wherein the particular demographic further comprises ageographic location.
 75. The system of claim 72, wherein the geographiclocation is a city, a state, a country, or a principality.
 76. Thesystem of claim 71, wherein the particular demographic comprises amembership in a grouping or subgrouping of the plurality of users basedon (i) a history of the individual user interactions with the platformas measured against (ii) an aggregate of a plurality of userinteractions with the platform.
 77. The system of claim 44, furthercomprising providing an updated activity report to the content creator,the updated activity report including information about user activitysubsequent to a marketing or a distribution of the item of mediacontent.
 78. The system of claim 44, further comprising marketing theitem of media content to a subset of users in a plurality of users. 79.A system of distributing an item of media content associated with acontent provider, the system comprising: a data processor; acomputer-readable memory encoded with instructions for commanding thedata processor to perform steps including: providing a platform by whicha plurality of content providers can market and distribute media contentto users; obtaining, using the platform, information about activity ofthe users on the platform in relation to the item of media content or inrelation to media content related to the item of media content;receiving at the platform a request, by a content provider in theplurality of content providers, for an activity report comprisinginformation related to a license characteristic for media content; andresponsive to the activity report request, providing, using theplatform, the activity report to the content provider.
 80. The system ofclaim 79, wherein the activity report further comprises informationrelated to a user demographic or a media content characteristic.